There is so much happening in Battersea (and beyond) this October that you will barely know where to start. How about a spooky, classic play? A laugh-fest at Battersea Arts Centre? Or bagging a bargain at a world-famous art fair? Read on for our run down of this month’s best events…
The Big Draw, Various
Pencils at the ready: the world’s biggest drawing festival The Big Draw is back for another year to encourage people of all ages to do some doodling. Events are taking place around south London: we love Pintar Rapido at Chelsea Town Hall, where artists of all abilities will try to “capture the spirit of the city in a day’ and Adventureland at the Royal Academy of Art, where artists will help little ones to create their dream playgrounds with recycled materials.
October, thebigdraw.org
BBC Introducing Live,4 Oct
George Ezra, Blossoms, NAO, Slaves, The Big Moon, Declan McKenna, Everything Everything, Rae Morris and Yizzy are all taking to Brixton Academy’s hallowed stage to celebrate 10 Years of BBC Introducing. This is set to be an incredible night of music and an unmissable event for anyone who likes spotting new acts first. academymusicgroup.com
Daniel Kitson: Work in Progress, Battersea
Roehampton alumnus Kitson has performed around the world and has appeared on TV: if you missed his star turn on Blockbusters as a teenage, you will probably recognise him as Spence from Phoenix Nights. Now he is in Battersea Arts Centre with Work in Progress, described as ‘A Short Series of Disagreements Presented Here in Chronological Order.’ Don’t miss.
5-24 Oct, bac.org.uk
Ghosts, Putney
Religion, incest and euthanasia are all covered in Ibsen’s celebrated play, although it was the relatively mild issue of venereal disease that caused the most controversy in nineteenth century society. If follows widow Helen Alving who is about to dedicate an orphanage to her late husband to keep his proud legacy alive – but it’s not long before family secrets start to spill out with devastating consequences.
11-21 October, putneytheatrecompany.org.uk
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Affordable Art Fair, Battersea
Art lovers, poor people and everyone who lives in Battersea rejoice: the Affordable Art Fair is back for an autumn season in the park. Work in a range of mediums will be on display, from colourful canvases to contemporary sculpture. Bag a ticket and pick up a beautiful bargain.
19-22 Oct, affordableartfair.com/fairs/battersea-autumn
A Cracked Plaster Sky, Clapham
We could have chosen any of Omnibus’ October program for our What’s On In Battersea run down, but it was A Cracked Plaster Sky that caught our eye. Inspired by real stories of street prostitution, the play tells the irreverent and painfully humorous tale of Grace –and the voice in her head. A voice that, despite poverty, violence, imprisonment, estrangement and despair, won’t shut up. Timely and thought-provoking.
24-28 Oct, omnibus-clapham.org
Wandsworth Common Halloween Beer & Cider Festival, Wandsworth
Get your spook on at Wandsworth’s freaky festival this October. There will be live music, street food and, of course, booze galore with 100 real ales and 25 ciders to choose from.
25-28 Oct eventbrite.co.uk/e/wandsworth-common-halloween-beer-festival
Ski and Snowboard Show, Battersea
Whether you’re embarking on a winter adventure or simply dreaming of a week on the slopes, the annual Ski and Snowboard Show in Battersea has everything you could possibly need. It’s a great family day out too, with ice skating, Nordic themed bars, Alpine themed food and talks, displays and fashion shows to keep everyone happy.
26 – 29 Oct, skiandsnowboard.co.uk
POWDERKEG, Battersea
Madonna, Beyonce, Ronaldo: now beloved Battersea boozer Powder Keg Diplomacy is jumping on the one-name bandwagon to become simply POWDERKEG. It’s been taken over by the people behind Clapham’s WC Wine & Charcuterie and Joe Public Pizza who are bringing in chef Ben Mulock to give the menu an overhaul. With its cosy atmosphere and friendly vibe it’s the perfect place to hunker down for October. See you there. hot-dinners.com/Gastroblog
International Coffee Day
Possibly the best day of the year, International Coffee Day on October 1 will have us all vibrating into the new month with added vigour. Battersea and Wandsworth both have a bevy of cracking caffeine purveyors: try Brickwood in Balham, Clapham and Tooting for authentic Aussie flat whites; Gail’s in Clapham Old Town for a high street stalwart or Coffee Affair in Queenstown Road Station for quite possibly the best cup of joe in London.
1 Oct, coffeeaffair.co.uk
